Unveiling the Intricacies of Maternal Malaria: Navigating Pathways to Adverse Birth Outcomes and Innovations in Prevention and Management

Author(s): Jagdish Prasad Meena

Publication #: 2507020

Date of Publication: 03.06.2025

Country: INDIA

Pages: 1-3

Published In: Volume 11 Issue 3 June-2025

Abstract

Expectant mothers in regions where malaria is prevalent face increased susceptibility to malaria during pregnancy, leading to adverse effects on childbirth outcomes, such as delivering small-for-gestational-age and preterm infants. These infants are at a higher risk of having low birthweights, which in turn contributes to infant mortality and long-term health issues. During pregnancy-related malaria, infected red blood cells express a distinct surface antigen called VAR2CSA, facilitating their sequestration in the placenta. This process can trigger various host responses, fostering placental inflammation and disrupting placental development, impacting vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and nutrient transport. Consequently, these disruptions impair placental functions, influencing fetal development negatively. This review provides an overview of malaria during pregnancy, outlining different pathological pathways leading to low birthweight associated with malaria during pregnancy. Current prevention and management strategies, along with potential therapeutic interventions for malaria during pregnancy, are discussed. The review concludes by highlighting research priorities aimed at alleviating this health burden.

Keywords: Malaria; Pragnancy; VAR2CSA

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